Laura Figi.jpg

Laura Figi

Senior Newsletter Editor

Laura Figi has called Austin home for more than 12 years and has been known to say it’s her “favorite city in the world.” A proud graduate of Texas State University, she’s been working in local news since 2020. When she’s not working and learning about the community, you can find her at the local thrift shop, spending time with her two cats, or listening to live music.

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ATX_2025TopInterviews
Culture
8 of ATXtoday’s favorite interviews from 2025
Help us bid 2025 adieu by looking back on interviews with some of the most interesting Austinites we spoke with over the past year.
December 17, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Two clear and blue drinks on the counter at Estelle's.
Food
ATX Drink Report: When Austinites spent the most money on alcohol
Plus, the JW Marriott holds the crown for the most alcohol sales in 2025, with over $4 million more than the second-place venue.
December 16, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_BillieEilishMoodyCenter
Business
The Moody Center named the Highest Grossing Venue Worldwide by Billboard
The Moody Center took the top slot in the 10,000-15,000-capacity category, cementing its prominence as an entertainment hub in the US.
December 15, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_UTVolleyballArena
Real Estate
UT Austin announces plans to design and build a new arena
The new arena would be home to the multi-champion Texas Women’s Volleyball team and would be able to seat ~6,000 fans near the Moody Center.
December 11, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ParkerScott
Business
Keep Austin local: A growing guide to reader-recommended small businesses
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
December 9, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
More than two million lights make up the 70+ displays and tunnels on the Trail. | Photo via @danyetteheine
Culture
9 holiday light displays in and around Austin to catch this season
Allow us to take you on a sleigh ride through the Austin area’s huge collection of holiday lights, shows, and displays.
December 9, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_CanyonClubICON
Real Estate
ICON and The Canyon Club debut collection of 3D-printed homes
The new homes will be up for sale on a fractional basis, giving owners shared access to the space and year-round resort benefits.
December 8, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A vibrant brunch spread displayed on a wooden table, featuring dishes like blueberry pancakes with bacon and eggs, smoked salmon with toast, granola with fresh fruit, a sweet potato hash, and a frosted slice of cake. Drinks include an espresso martini, matcha latte, black coffee, and a cocktail garnished with a dried citrus slice. A colorful checkered booth lines the back of the table.
Culture
Restaurant Roundup: New and coming-soon restaurants in Austin
Dining in ATX is always a fresh experience, with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
December 8, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Forbes30Under30
Business
Meet the Austinites on the 2026 Forbes 30 Under 30 list
From venture capital to aerospace technology to puppy sweatshirts, these Austinites make up some of the most successful people in their fields.
December 4, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_2025SmallBusinessPassport
Culture
Shop around Austin with the 2025 ATX Small Business Passport
Do your holiday shopping while you get to know a few of Austin’s small businesses, all while earning discounts and potential prizes.
December 4, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_ATXwrapped
Culture
ATXtoday 2025 Recap: The top stories of 2025
It’s not just your year in music — we’ve also rounded up your year in local news from ATXtoday for our faithful readers.
December 3, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_CiccioBomba
Food
An Italian bakery co-owned by Tom Segura is now open in Austin
Ciccio Bomba’s pastries, sandwiches, brunch foods, and signature treats are now available for purcahse at Fareground in Downtown Austin.
December 2, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATXtoday-Oh-What-Fun-Holiday-Market-October-2025.jpg
Culture
Shop local at these holiday markets in Austin
‘Tis the season to start shopping for the holidays and anything you can buy, you can buy local at one of these holiday markets.
December 2, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_HopeGallery
Culture
HOPE Outdoor Gallery reopens in east Austin
The new, free gallery is back open near the airport for street artists of all ages and skill levels to enjoy.
December 1, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A teddy bear made of colorful Christmas lights sits among lit-up trees on the path of the Trail of Lights.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Austin
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
December 1, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
ATX_PrimaDora
Business
Our Austin-based Small Business Saturday shopping picks
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
November 26, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
Marquee Exterior 1 Portrait (1).jpg
Retail

Our Asheville-based Small Business Saturday shopping picks
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle to your holiday shopping.
November 25, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The front of TacoSon in Temple Terrace. The restaurant is surrounded by greenery and has yellow walles, including some next to the patio pictured here with tables + chairs.
Small Business
Our Tampa Bay-based Small Business Saturday shopping picks
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
November 25, 2025
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
ATX_FrankiesSupperClub
Food
Inside Frankie’s Supper Club at Uptown Sports Club
The Sunday dinner service from Aaron Franklin harkens back to Midwestern dinners and family-style meal traditions that began back in the early 1900s.
November 24, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The exterior of Carmichael's books with a banner that reads "Est. 1978 Carmichael's Books" and posters on the wall on the left. The front doors are windowed and made on wood.
Our Louisville-based Small Business Saturday shopping picks
The 16th annual edition of Small Business Saturday falls on Nov. 29 — the perfect time to help you add a local sparkle into your holiday shopping.
November 24, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The Austin skyline, reflected in the water with pink sky behind it
Business
Downtown commercial space is at a ‘historic’ 24% vacancy
A new study from real estate firm Franklin Street states that 14.8 million sqft of commercial space in Downtown Austin is empty.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_Fresa's Thanksgiving-02392 (1).jpg
Food
Thanksgiving recipes from ATXtoday readers
Join us in being thankful for Austin’s foodie community, which has shared some of their favorite Thanksgiving recipes to make your table a little more local.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A hand holding a glass of wine in front of a vineyard
Food
How to find the best Texas wine for your next dinner
A new wine styles selector tool can help you find your new favorite wine made from Texas Hill Country-grown grapes.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
A close-up shot of the top of a Waymo car, which features several cameras and the Waymo logo.
Business
Q+A: What to know about Waymo’s robotaxis coming to Orlando
We took a fully autonomous Waymo ride with product communications manager Chris Bonelli to answer questions about AVs.
November 20, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
ATX_Paramount-Lounge-2_credit Clayton Korte.jpg
Real Estate
Shine On: Paramount and State Theatres will begin restoration and renovation in 2026
The new Shine On campaign will bring major changes to the tune of $65 million to both historic theaters starting this summer.
November 19, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
The inside of Recycled Reads, with books and DVDs for sale.
City
Recycled Reads Bookstore will close in early 2026
Austin Public Library will begin to sell its retired material out of its branches instead of the one central used bookstore.
November 18, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
View of the Austin, Texas skyline from the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
City
Austin’s GIS mapping decoded
Did you know the city and county provide interactive GIS maps of Austin to connect you to resources and help you get to know your communities?
November 18, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
ATX_OnionCreekMosasaur
Culture
Ancient fossils found in the Austin area
Austin is home to some ancient history, including gigantic aquatic lizards, prehistoric humans, and dinosaur tracks uncovered by flooding.
November 13, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_MacNCheeseFest
Food
Check out the restaurants coming to Austin Mac + Cheese Festival
The 2025 celebration of gooey, golden goodness is this weekend in Bee Cave, and we’re ready to chow down to this year’s tropical-themed bites.
November 13, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
ATX_AbaThanksgiving
Food
13 local restaurants with Thanksgiving catering + dine-in specials
Take Turkey Day easy with dishes from these local restaurants.
November 11, 2025
 · 
Laura Figi
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